A Walk - Moel Arthur & Moel Famau with Stuart Drysdale
13¼ miles (21.3km) with 2900ft (884m) Total Ascent
We leave Loggerheads following the River Alyn north, and then head for Cilcain. Taking field paths we head north-west past Tre-lan to Firwood Farm, from where we head south-west to Moel Arthur, the site of an Iron Age hill fort. Here we pick up the Offa´s Dyke Path to the Jubilee Tower on Moel Famau. Building began on the tower in 1812 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of George III, but it was never completed and was destroyed by a storm in 1862. We then head down north-east, then over Ffrith Mountain to Loggerheads for refreshments and the coach home.
B+ Walk - A Traverse Of Moel Famau with Dave Colbert
10½ miles (17km) with 2000ft (620m) Total Ascent
This walk takes in the highest summit in Bryniau Clwyd and a section of the Offa´s Dyke National Trail (Llwybr Clawdd Offa).
From Loggerheads, we follow the Afon Alun northward for a short distance before crossing it to contour round the slopes of Ffrith Mountain. There is then a short descent to Cae Newydd before a lengthy but gradual climb takes us to a col on the ridge of Bryniau Clwyd, where we meet the Offa´s Dyke National Trail. Here we turn south, following the ridge for some distance over Moel Dywyll before reaching the summit of Moel Famau, at 555m/1,820ft the high point of Bryniau Clwyd with views extending from Snowdonia across to the Pennines on a clear day. We then descend gradually to Bwlch Penbarra, where we leave the Offa´s Dyke National Trail to continue down to Rhuthun (Ruthin) by way of Teiran and field tracks and paths. Mwynhau!!
B Walk - Loggerheads and Maeshafn with Barbara & Alan
7¾ miles (12.75km) with 1000ft (304.8m) Total Ascent
From Loggerheads car park we turn left on to the A494 for a few yards then crossing the road we turn right towards Cholomendy Outdoor Centre (this was used by children from inner cities such as Liverpool) to experience the outdoors. We then enter woods and continue for approx ½ mile emerging onto a lane where we turn left towards the edge of Maeshafn. We then turn sharp right signed posted Pentre Cerrig and follow this into woods.
Further on we reach Maeshafyn where we find the Miners Arms. Following the road to a junction we turn left here to enter on our right Moel Findeg Nature Reserve which then takes us to the summit of Moel Findeg which has extensive views considering the modest hill.
We then make our way downhill and after passing quarries and several fields we reach the road at Gwernymynydd, crossing the road we follow a track for little over ½ mile. We then emerge on to the road again and crossing to the opposite side to find “Deborahs Well” where there is a plaque engraved. Deborah lived nearby and when Cholera came to the area she arranged for those affected to move to higher ground but did not understand that Cholera was a water born disease. A hospital was built and all was well until the cholera spread and Deborah was accused of cursing those affected and thus was sentenced to burning by the villagers and so the hospital with all those inside including Deborah were killed when the building was set on fire. We then carry on further through woods where we follow a footpath back to a T junction and here turn left to retrace our steps back to the road and a short walk back to the car park.
Alternatively we could turn right and continue down some steep steps back to the tea garden.
C Walk - Ruthin Circular with Sylvia Rymer & Barbara Malloy
7 miles (11.2km) with 164ft (50m) Total Ascent
The walk starts from Ruthin Craft Centre/Coach Park. Toilets are available.
After leaving Ruthin, we climb to Ty´n y ceau and then down to the River Clywedog. Alongside the river is a footpath known as Lady Bagot´s Drive which leads us to the head of the gorge. Then we follow an upper path to Rhewl village and return to Ruthin by fields and the River Clwyd.
